Housing & Homeless Services

Two key types of programs for affordable housing based on income are the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 program and low-rent housing programs. Both types of programs are available through the “Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing” link below.

Through the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program, participants are issued a voucher by the local Housing Authority and find their own rental unit from a private landlord willing to work with the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The participant pays rent based on their household income and the local Housing Authority pays the remainder of the rent directly to the landlord.

Through low-rent housing programs, participants live in designated complexes owned and operated by a local Housing Authority or nonprofit organization and are charged rent based on the household’s income.

It is important to be prepared for a long process for either type of program, as it often takes years to move through a program waitlist. It is also important to apply for all programs you are eligible for, including separate applications for each housing complex when needed. If you notice that your Housing Authority is not accepting applications at the moment, keep an eye out and submit an application when the wait list is opened again. 

The first step to getting help from many programs related to homelessness is having your information entered into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), also called Pathways to Home. Pathways to Home is a secure database used by many homeless service providers in Ventura County to determine what services you may be eligible for and to coordinate services between programs.

Some programs offer financial assistance if you are behind on your rent or mortgage payment or if you need help with a rent deposit. Other programs may help with the cost of making your home more energy efficient or improving accessibility to enable independent living for seniors and people with disabilities. Be sure to check the eligibility information in each entry to see if the program is a good fit for you.

Some programs help tenants and landlords understand their rights, resolve issues, and answer common questions.